Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Watkins.
Hi Sean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started training in martial arts when I was 7 years old under Hanshi Roger Jarrett in Saint Albans, WV. I didn’t know it at the time, but stepping in the door of that dojo would change my life in so many ways – all of them for the better.
At first, I simply went through the motions like everyone who starts a journey in the martial arts. It was fun. I was learning cool new moves like the Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles! However, as time progressed, I became completely enthralled with my training, and ultimately ended up taking class six days a week. To say I was addicted is an understatement.
Eventually, I became more and more involved in the sport of karate. Weekends were spent traveling here and there from tournament to tournament. It was a great way to connect with my friends and family on those long car rides (before cell phones). As time passed, I started winning – a lot. So much so that I went on to become a multiple gold medalist at the national championships, earned a spot on the Junior US Team, and won two silver medals at the Pan-American Championships.
This little kid from a small town in West Virginia had been all over the world by the time I had graduated from high school. My martial arts training gave me confidence and made me acutely aware of my body. This lended me a particular skill set that transitioned my life toward the performing arts. I attended Marshall University and got my BFA in acting/directing, then moved to New York City. I spent my twenties performing on stages small and large both in NYC and around the country. However, I knew that something was missing in my life.
So, I decided to hang up my dancing shoes and get back to martial arts. So, I googled martial arts jobs NYC. I found some wonderful schools to work at and parlayed my experience to travel to schools around the country offering seminars. It was awesome! I was also introduced to Kicking the Spectrum, a martial arts organization that was developed for individuals with special needs. I found my calling!
In 2018, my brother-in-law transferred to Hilliard as an air traffic controller. Not too much later did I come to visit and fall in love with Fernandina Beach. So, I packed up my NYC apartment and moved too! My entire family ended up moving to the area, and we established a new home for ourselves.
In January of 2019, I opened Fernandina Dojo. It grew and grew and in one year we expanded into our current location. I have been beyond blessed to be a part of this community and work with hundreds of amazing individuals since opening. Not only do we offer martial arts classes, but I have brought my connections with the sport to the area. We now hold a large karate tournament every year called the Seaside Karate Classic, host seminars with the country’s best athletes and instructors, and do community outreach events like nursing home demonstrations, beach clean up, etc.
All of this is possible because my instructor gave me the gift of martial arts. As I said in the beginning, I didn’t know how it would change my life. But, I am so thankful!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was very nervous when I first moved here. I wasn’t sure how the community would take to a new martial arts school, but I believed in what I was doing, so that helped. There are always struggles when opening a new business. However, I had an incredible network of people encouraging me and guiding me along the way. Mrs. Angie Lester (Fernandina Beach Building Department) was a HUGE help when starting the construction of the dojo. I had no idea how the city worked with permitting, but she was my guiding light. Ms. Alexandra Carroll (owner of Royal Amelia Dance Academy) took me under her wing and helped introduce me to the community. In addition, my church (First Presbyterian) helped me feel less like a stranger in a new place by giving me an instant family of new friends.
The main struggles for me was trying to figure out how to do all of the instructing by myself with no help. Growing up, the dojo was already very established and had many black belts who would help teach classes and assist. That was the model I knew, but not the model that I had… So I had to modify things to make it work. It was scary, but mostly just extremely rewarding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own and operate Fernandina Dojo, which is a unique martial arts school that offers classes in multiple disciplines – karate, tae kwon do, aikido, judo, jujitsu, iaido, and kobudo. Our in depth analysis of each of the arts taught is totally different from a MMA school that only takes a few techniques here and there from the different disciplines. We take a deep dive and study each art on its own, which gives the practitioner a better understanding and ease of use when blending or mixing the arts.
In addition, we are the only school in NE Florida that is recognized by USA Karate, which is the National Governing Body for sport karate as recognized by the US Olympic Committee. That means we compete in the sport of karate at a local, national, and international level. In fact, several of our students are national and international champions. One, Madison Morris, is trying out for the Junior US Team this summer in Fort Worth, TX!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
As I mentioned previously, my instructor, Hanshi Roger Jarrett, laid the foundation for me. I didn’t know when I signed up to take classes that I was going to receive world class instruction. Mr. Jarrett holds high ranks in multiple martial arts and has taught around the globe! He is the founder and president of USA Martial Arts Federation – a thriving martial arts organization with schools around the US. In addition, he has served as either secretary general, president, and member of the board of directors for USA Karate (the NGB for sport karate) for over 20 years. His breadth of knowledge is immense, and he still teaches to this day. Many of my students are lucky to learn from him as well.
Locally, Mrs. Angie Lester with the Fernandina Beach Building Department was my guardian angel. She helped me tremendously with getting my business up and running from permitting the construction to issuing my business license.
Ms. Alexandra Carroll (owner of the Royal Amelia Dance Academy) took me under her wing and introduced me to the community. I also have helped choreograph and work with her dancers, which helped keep my performing arts skills in use!
Pricing:
- $100 – Enrollment Package (includes annual membership to national organization and uniform)
- $150 – Monthly tuition for anyone ages 7+
- $120 – Monthly tuition for ages 4-6
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fernandinadojo.com
- Instagram: @fernandinadojo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernandinadojo
